Ruth Evelyn Cronce, 92, passed away Monday, February 12, 2018 at the Poplar Living Center in Casper, Wyoming.
Ruth was born in Gibson City, Illinois on October 21, 1925 to Lynn Delbert and Minerva Ellen (Rutledge) Pitzer. Sometime later the family moved just outside of Chugwater, Wyoming.
She married Doyle Derby in 1945, to this union two daughters were born, Sandra and Sheila. They later divorced.
She was remarried and to that union a son was born that shortly passed away after birth. Their marriage ended.
In May of 1950 Ruth married Edward Cronce, they were married 56 years, and to this union a son was born, Terry.
Throughout their life they moved many times to many states finally settling in Wheatland, Wyoming. After Eddie passed away Ruth moved in with her daughter in Wheatland. Ruth loved everyone and always had the welcome mat out to any one that showed up at the front door.
Ruth loved flowers and always made any yard she had look beautiful with anything she planted. She always had food out for the birds, squirrels, and rabbits or any other animals running around.
Ruth had many jobs in her life, but being grandma to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a huge pleasure in her life. Her job as a grandparent at West Elementary to second and third grade children was probably her biggest pleasure of any job she had. When she went to a store or any public place and saw one of her kids “as she called them” they would run up to her and give her a big hug and call her Grandma Ruth. This was one of her greatest joys even after they graduated and moved on their reaction was the same no matter where they saw her.
Ruth had a full and active life until diabetes took over and she had to move into a nursing home in Casper until she passed away. She never knew a stranger and was loved by so many.
She is survived by her sister, Pearl Kelley of Cheyenne, Wyoming; daughter, Sheila Hitt of Wheatland; son, Terry Cronce of Iowa; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and will be missed by many.
Ruth was preceded in death by ten brothers and sisters; parents, Lynn and Minerva Pitzer; and husband, Edward Cronce.
There will be a memorial service and inurnment at a later date.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, February 26, 2018 at the Poplar Living Center in Casper for all her friends that are able to travel.
The Gorman Funeral Homes – Platte Chapel of Wheatland are in charge of the arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com.
